Why do patents often include method claims and apparatus claims?

When I send a draft patent application to an inventor who is new to the patent process, the inventor often asks why the claims seem to repeat themselves. A patent application often has one group of claims directed to a method, and another group directed to an apparatus or system. This can confuse new inventors because the two claim groups often appear to be very similar.

Why the duplication? There are several reasons.

One reason is that method and apparatus claims can be directed to two separate groups of infringers. A patent gives its holder the exclusive right to make, use and sell the invention. Method and apparatus claims may each define the invention in a slightly different way. Some entities — such as a distributor or retailer — may sell an apparatus, but they will never practice a method of making or using the apparatus. Other entities (such as end users) may use the invention but not make or sell it. Depending on the situation, one set of the claims or the other could be more useful to assert against a particular infringer.

Another reason to include two groups of claims relates to the point in time at which damages start to accrue for infringing activity. Section 287 of the Patent Act limits recovery of damages for making/using/selling a patented article to the point in time where the infringer had actual notice of the patent, or constructive notice of the patent through marking. Because Section 287 refers to “articles” but not methods, courts have generally limited the notice requirement to apparatus claims, not system claims.

Because of this method/apparatus dichotomy, as well as the fact that Section 287’s notice requirement does not apply to an entity that holds — but does not practice – the patent, the notice requirement has been criticized as primarily benefitting non-practicing entities. However, so far Congress has not considered this issue to be worthy of an amendment to the Patent Act.

In addition, to avoid issues associated with the notice requirement some patent applicants may consider filing patent applications with only method claims or only apparatus claims. This may mean filing two applications on the same day, or filing a second application that claims priority to a first application. This adds to the expense, but it can help reduce the worry that insufficient marking will limit damages when asserting both method and apparatus claims.

About IP Spotlight

IP Spotlight provides news and practice tips relating to the legal and business aspects of intellectual property and other intangible assets. Topics include licensing, due diligence, acquisition, compliance and risk management associated with patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. IP Spotlight is published by Jim Singer of Fox Rothschild LLP.

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Jim Singer is a partner with the law firm of Fox Rothschild LLP, where he focuses on intellectual property acquisition, protection, enforcement and licensing. For more details and contact information, select the "About the Author" link below.

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